New Haredi Party Leader Outlines Vision, Targets Knesset Seat
Moti Leitner, chairman of the "Haredi Public" party, presented his new political vision in an interview with Arutz 7, addressing key issues facing the Haredi community and his party's goals for the upcoming Knesset elections. Leitner, who recently visited a recruitment center and met with Haredi soldiers serving in combat roles, criticized the established Haredi leadership for neglecting those who choose to enlist.
Leitner stated that his party aims to provide support and recognition for Haredi individuals serving in the IDF, ensuring they remain connected to their community. He argued that the traditional Haredi political establishment has failed to adequately support these soldiers, declaring, "This situation is over." He also criticized senior Haredi politicians for not personally visiting recruitment centers to show solidarity.
Beyond military service, Leitner expressed deep concern over the existential crisis facing the Haredi society, warning of a widening rift with the rest of Israeli society and the potential for severe internal conflict if current trends continue. He attributed the current situation partly to the military's past failure to adapt service to Haredi needs, a reality starkly highlighted by the October 7th attacks, which revealed the army's urgent need for more personnel.
Leitner proposed a pragmatic solution to the draft issue, differentiating between Torah scholars who should continue their studies and others who should take on national responsibility through military, security, or national service. He believes this approach, which he described as "realistic" and "pragmatic," can be implemented immediately and reduce a major point of contention between the Haredi and general populations. He also addressed the need for core curriculum studies, supporting parental choice in education while advocating for supplementary programs for subjects like English and math, and encouraging the establishment of Haredi institutions offering higher academic standards.
Leitner positioned his party as right-wing and conservative, aiming to represent a broad spectrum of the Haredi community, including Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jews, as well as immigrants. He indicated potential electoral support of around six Knesset seats, with a portion coming from outside the Haredi sector. While preferring to run independently, Leitner stated he would consider political alliances if necessary to ensure his party crosses the electoral threshold and gains representation in the next Knesset. He also mentioned ongoing discussions with various right-wing groups and expressed openness to joining a right-wing government aligned with his party's principles, regardless of who leads it.
